3rd Gen Engine and Drivetrain -> 2003-2007 5.9 liter Engine and drivetrain discussion only. PLEASE, NO HIGH PERFORMANCE DISCUSSION!

Fram filters

Old Jan 5, 2005 | 04:26 PM
  #16  
LinearX's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Hippie
I have friend that worked in plant that made filter media. He said on numerous occasions that Fram would use all of the media that the other manufacturers deemed to have a "low" quality rating. I also have a friend that runs them on his BBC in his racecar and has never had an issue. Take it for what it's worth.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 05:07 PM
  #17  
cumminsboy's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 181
Likes: 1
From: San Angelo, Tx
I've always used Baldwin, any comments on them?Good, bad, ugly?
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 05:35 PM
  #18  
MonkeyLips's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Star, Idaho
Baldwin makes excellent filters. I'm thinking the Fleetguard Stratapore is just a bit better, but I have no proof.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 05:53 PM
  #19  
MonkeyLips's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Star, Idaho
Originally posted by Barry Smith
I have said this before The Fleetguard plant here makes some Fram filters and some Wix filters and some Napa filters. My wife works there and said they all come off the same line just different paint and boxes. After reading here I'm having her check to see what applications they are for, whether they are for our trucks. So the "Wix is good Fram is junk" just doesn't fly. They're actually only 2 or 3 filter makers, it's kind of like batteries there aren't many people that make them just put different names on them. I've seen the list of filters Cummins suggest but don't understand them not supporting a filter that their company makes (Cummins owns Fleelguard)? I'm sure Stratapore is a different media than the others.
I'm not so sure about Fleetguard making Fram filters. Every Fram I've seen has cardboard end caps, cheap filter meda, thin metal, and untreated metal (JUNK!). Years ago, they use to make great filters, but then Allied Signal bought them out; reduce costs, sell the name, make a killing! Some Mopar filters are made by Fleetguard (Cummins applications), some by Fram, some by Purolator, depending on application. Pennzoil oil filters are Fram's and Quaker State are made by Purolator (a decent brand). There are even more cross overs than that, so it takes some research to really know what you are getting. I wouldn't be suprised if Fleetguard makes some Wix and Napa filters as they are quality brands. Maybe Wix did have a design flaw at one time, but I'm sure the stood behind it and fixed it. Cut open any Fram and cut open any Wix, there is NO comparison! My local Cummins dealer has Stratapores that are cut apart to show how well they are made. Anyone who makes a high quality filter will usually have a display comparing their filter with Fram to show off their stuff.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2005 | 06:44 PM
  #20  
Hannibal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: west central Florida
I've always stuck by what DC and Cummins approves. All I can tell by cutting a filter apart is what it looks like. The Fram looks like junk and the Wix looks better but both came apart and clogged piston cooling nozzles leading to galled cylinder walls and total engine failure. Purolator is on the approved list and it looks kinda whimpy next to the real Mopar/Fleetguard or Cummins/Fleetguard. I've used many Purolators and Fleetguards. Frams aren't even approved for DC gas burners. I learned that when I put one one the Mrs' '94 Neon. The valves clattered the next morning. I called the dealership. The service writer asked if I had a Fram on it. They don't hold oil in the top end and aren't approved. Never again used one for anything.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2005 | 11:11 AM
  #22  
MonkeyLips's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 379
Likes: 0
From: Star, Idaho
You make some excellent points here Sloppy. It is, however, actually documented that a (now changed) Fram filter design resulted in some CTD failures. It was due to the back flow valve material used. It disintegrated and clogged oil galleys resulting in engine failure. Fram has since changed the back flow valve to a higher grade silicone. As far as being on the "approved" list, I've never heard or read about that. Reading my Ram manual, any filter made for your specific year & engine (the application as specified by the filter manufacturer) will NOT void the warranty. My manual does mention the Fram incident, but says they are fine now in so many words. I personally won't use one. I want the best filter I can buy.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2005 | 04:24 PM
  #23  
Hannibal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: west central Florida
Sloppy, You should stick to the post as written and not try to insert a whole pile of words (your words) and try to pass them off as other's BS when it's your own BS. Here's the TSB.

http://dodgeram.info/tsb/2001/09-004-01.htm
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2005 | 05:16 PM
  #24  
Strick's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Katy, TX
Don't see where that woulld apply to anything after 2001.
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2005 | 05:52 PM
  #25  
Hannibal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: west central Florida
Time to stock up on Frams!
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2005 | 03:54 PM
  #27  
Hannibal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: west central Florida
I never said a Fram filter "screwed up" my wife's Neon. I said the valves clattered. The Fram doesn't have a check valve to hold oil in the top end while the motor sits overnight. The lifters go flat and clatter until oil pressure comes back up. I replaced the Fram with a Mopar filter and it never did it again. I used Purolator on it mostly. We gave it to my mom and it now has 152k miles on it. Wife's Durango gets Mopar and Purolator. Fram is a bare minimum filter. Chances of a problem are slim but there's better available.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2005 | 03:58 PM
  #28  
Hannibal's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 0
From: west central Florida
One more thing. This is not your website. You don't decide who posts here and who doesn't. Jack does. If he wants me gone, I'll go.
Your last statement was even more childish.
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2005 | 09:16 PM
  #30  
Raspy's Avatar
DTR's 'Wrench thrower...' And he aims for the gusto...
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 3
From: Smith Valley, NV (sometimes Redwood City, CA)
While most of us have Cummins, I don't think that's the ticket get's us in the door here. The rest of the truck is basically the same and many issues are common. Nothing wrong with the Hemi, to each his own.

I seem to remember the issue with the filters was moisture. Am I wrong? It was moisture that disolved the (paper?) media inside the Fram.

Wetspirit
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:19 AM.